How to prepare for a video visit about Dry Eye

Audience: adult

Dry eye is a common condition where your eyes may feel dry, itchy, or irritated. A video visit with a healthcare provider can help you understand your symptoms and learn ways to manage dry eye. Before your telemedicine appointment, it’s important to prepare so you can share your symptoms clearly and get the most from your visit. During the video call, your provider will ask about your symptoms, daily habits, and any treatments you’ve tried. They may guide you on simple tests you can do at home to check your eyes. While telemedicine can help with education and basic care advice, some cases may need an in-person eye exam. Knowing when to seek urgent care is important for your eye health. This guide helps you get ready for your video visit, understand what telemedicine can and cannot do for dry eye, and what to do after your appointment.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Severe eye pain or discomfort — seek urgent in-person care immediately.
• Sudden changes in vision, such as blurriness or loss of vision — get emergency evaluation.
• Eye redness with discharge or swelling — prompt medical attention is needed.

What telemedicine can do

• Discussing symptoms and medical history related to dry eye.
• Providing education on dry eye causes and management.
• Guiding simple self-exams and lifestyle advice.
• Recommending over-the-counter treatments and when to seek further care.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Performing detailed eye examinations requiring specialized equipment.
• Diagnosing serious eye infections or injuries.
• Prescribing certain medications that require in-person evaluation.
• Treating complications needing urgent or surgical intervention.

What is Dry Eye?

Dry eye happens when your eyes don’t make enough tears or the tears evaporate too quickly. This can cause discomfort, redness, and blurry vision. Common causes include aging, screen use, certain medications, and environmental factors like wind or dry air.

Preparing for Your Video Visit

Before your appointment, find a quiet, well-lit place where you can sit comfortably. Have a list of your symptoms ready, including when they started and what makes them better or worse. Gather any eye drops or treatments you use. If possible, have a family member or friend nearby to help if needed.

What to Expect During the Video Visit

Your healthcare provider will ask about your symptoms and medical history. They may ask you to show your eyes close-up on camera to look for redness or irritation. You might be guided to perform simple tests, like blinking exercises or checking your tear film by looking at reflections on your eye.

When to Seek In-Person Care

If you experience severe eye pain, sudden vision changes, intense redness, or discharge, you should seek urgent in-person care. These symptoms may indicate more serious eye problems that need immediate attention.

Managing Dry Eye at Home

Your provider may suggest lifestyle changes such as taking breaks from screens, using humidifiers, or applying warm compresses. They may also recommend over-the-counter artificial tears or prescribe medications if needed.

After Your Video Visit

Follow the care plan your provider gives you. Keep track of any changes in your symptoms. Schedule a follow-up appointment if your symptoms do not improve or if they worsen.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Choose a quiet, well-lit space for your video visit.
• Have a list of your symptoms, including when they started and what affects them.
• Gather any eye drops, medications, or treatments you currently use.
• Ensure your device camera works and is positioned to show your eyes clearly.
• Prepare to describe your daily habits, screen time, and environmental exposures.
• Have a family member or friend available if you need assistance during the visit.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the treatment and lifestyle advice given by your provider.
• Use recommended eye drops or medications as directed.
• Monitor your symptoms and note any changes or new symptoms.
• Schedule a follow-up appointment if symptoms persist or worsen.
• Seek in-person care immediately if you experience red flags like severe pain or vision loss.

FAQs

Can a video visit diagnose dry eye?

A video visit can help your provider understand your symptoms and suggest management strategies, but it cannot replace a full eye exam needed for a definitive diagnosis.

What should I do if my eyes suddenly become very painful or my vision changes?

Seek urgent in-person medical care immediately, as these could be signs of a serious eye problem.

Are over-the-counter eye drops safe to use for dry eye?

Many over-the-counter artificial tears are safe and can relieve dry eye symptoms. Your provider can recommend suitable options during your visit.

How can I reduce dry eye symptoms at home?

Taking regular breaks from screens, using humidifiers, applying warm compresses, and staying hydrated often help reduce symptoms.

Will I need follow-up visits?

Sometimes follow-up visits are needed to check if your symptoms improve or if treatment needs adjustment.

Sources

1. Dry Eye Syndrome — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
2. Dry Eye Disease — Mayo Clinic.
3. Eye Health: Dry Eye — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
4. Dry Eye Disease: Diagnosis and Management — National Library of Medicine.

This telemedicine guidance is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for in-person medical care. If you have urgent or severe symptoms, seek immediate medical attention.